Merli racing at the 49th Cividale – Castelmonte in Italy

Christian Merli is ready to switch his engine back on and to thrill the fans of hill climbing once more. The driver from Trentino, racing for the Pintarally Motorsport team, has confirmed his participation in the 49th Cividale – Castelmonte on 4 October, for this prestigious round of the 2026 Super CIVM championship. After a spell away from competition, the multiple European champion is returning behind the wheel of his Nova Proto NP01, powered by a 3000 Cosworth engine. The iconic Friulian hill climb in northern Italy, with its technical and demanding track climbing towards the Santuario di Castelmonte, provides the ideal setting for this comeback. Merli’s objectives for this weekend are clear and focus on love of racing and on technical development.

Interview with Christian

“We’re returning to racing in a very relaxed frame of mind. The aim of this weekend is, first and foremost, to regain the right feel for the car and, above all, to have fun. The Cividale – Castelmonte is a beautiful race, with a warm and welcoming crowd, and we can’t wait to get out on the track to clock up some kilometres and enjoy every single metre.”

It was here that we secured our first overall victory in 2004 with Team Tschager’s Lucchini. A truly thrilling moment that marked the start of my career. I remember being presented with my prize by Clay Regazzoni at the finish line. I also won in 2016 in the Osella PA 21 JrB 1000, and again three years ago in the Osella FA30 Evo Zytek. So, I’m starting afresh in Friuli, and this will be my first time on this track in the Nova Proto NP 01. I’m delighted to be putting my racing overall back on after a break and to feel the excitement and adrenaline of racing once again. There will be two race heats, and the 6.395 km track is quite special. It’s narrow and winding, and it resembles more a special stage of a rally, because there are even sections going downhill. Three chicanes have been added to reduce the speed.”

The Friuli weekend

The event programme will begin on Saturday 3 October with the official practice sessions. The two race heats that will decide the winner of the 2026 edition will take place on Sunday.

Translation by Ruth Scheithauer